Saudi Arabia Draws Red Line After Attempted Attack on Mecca

Saudi Arabia has declared Mecca a 'red line' after accusing Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels of attempting to attack Islam's holiest city. The kingdom, a key US ally, condemned the attempt and said it intercepted and destroyed the drone before it entered the airspace over Mecca. The Houthis denied firing drones toward Mecca, but the Saudis said they destroyed the drone that was heading towards the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad.

The attempted attack comes as the region responds with condemnation, but there is no sign of military support for Saudi Arabia. The kingdom needs a safe outlet for its crude and military assistance, but a crucial pipeline has been shut down for weeks after an attack by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq. Oil prices remain above $100 a barrel.

Turkey and Pakistan have expressed solidarity with the Saudis, but officials from both countries said they have not received a Saudi request for support. The US is staying out of the fight, despite having sold billions of dollars in weapons to Saudi Arabia. Iran's top diplomat was in China, where he sought 'the restoration of calm to the region and friendly and peaceful relations with our neighbors.'